The duties of the chief factory inspector and factory inspectors were governed by 1894 Public Laws Chapter 1278 (passed April 26, 1894) An act to regulate the employment and provide for the safety of women and children in mercantile industries and manufacturing establishments. Inspectors were appointed by the governor and the chief inspector was subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Inspections were performend annually regarding the employment of children, health and safety, sanitary conditions and ventilation, elevators and accidents.

The duties of factory inspectors became part of the Department of Labor, Division of Industrial Inspections in 1935 per Public Law Chapter 2250 Sec. 90.

This series consists of annual reports of the chief factory inspector and factory inspectors from 1895-1937.

The reports include a summary of employment statistics for the state followed by reports of men and number of women and children employed by each business that employs 5 or more employees. List of employers are alphabetical by town then by name of business.Also included in the reports are tabulated statements of types of establishments inspected and goods produced.